Gretna artist Christy Works-Boutte and husband create new children's book

Christy Works-Boutte, a renowned deaf artist from Gretna, has captured the essence of Louisiana through paintings that reflect the customs, culture and flavor of her state in a new children’s book, "Gris Gris and the Cypress Tree.'' The story was written by her husband and first-time author, Brock Boutte.

A delightful new childrenâs book called "Gris Gris and the Cypress Tree" was written by first-time author Brock Boutte and illustrated by his wife, Gretna artist Christy Works-Boutte.

The Bouttes are longtime Gretna residents who now live in Old Gretna and own an art gallery and frame shop in Terrytown.

“The idea for Gris-Gris and the Cypress Tree was sparked by my wife’s dream to illustrate a story about our beloved home state, Louisiana,” Brock Boutte said.

His use of rhymes and repetition in the story leads the reader on a whimsical journey through a mysterious swamp that is decorated with Louisiana state symbols.

The rhymed words of Gris-Gris and the Cypress Tree come to life by the colorful, vibrant images created by Works-Boutte’s unique painting style, in which she uses a palette knife with thick oil paints in her illustrations.

Below each verse is a fun fact that clearly defines the respective symbol in the verse.

It is often said that greatness is forged through adversity, and the rise of the talented young artist, Works-Boutte exemplifies this philosophy. A childhood illness led to her loss of hearing at the age of one. Many observers and critics of her work attribute her rapid artistic maturity to this loss of hearing and the many obstacles she has surmounted.

Her first exposure to school and art classes began at age 3, when she attended Chinchuba Institute for the Deaf.

Her spirited desire to attend a normal hearing school led her to St. Cletus Catholic School and later to graduate from Archbishop Blenk High School, where she continued to develop as an artist.

Her love of and passion for art grew while attending the world-renowned Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla., where she developed a strong artistic style, and in 2000 became the school's first deaf student to receive a bachelor of fine arts degree.

Her determination as a young girl and unwavering belief in herself has continued throughout her career, and led to many successes as an artist.

“Christy's love of vibrant colors and the ability to create harmony using thick oil paints has become a trademark of her paintings. Being chosen by her hometown in 2003 and every year since as the artist for Gretna Fest is one of the highlights of her career,” Boutte said.

For more than a decade, she has been the featured poster artist at other Louisiana festivals, including French Quarter Festival, the Crescent City Classic, New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, Satchmo Summerfest, and the Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival, for which her work was named the “Best Festival Poster” of 2008 by the Louisiana Association of Fair and Festivals.

“Her distinctive style can be seen throughout her work including her 'Love That...' series, variations on the Fleur de Lis and other New Orleans and Louisiana inspired pieces,” Boutte said.

“All of Christy's paintings continue to be works from the heart ,where she states they are 'from my heart to yours.' She has been blessed with significantly increased popularity in recent years,” he said.

The inspiration for Works-Boutte’s illustrations is their son, 7-year-old Bryce, to whom his father dedicated the new book.

The Bouttes are touring all over Louisiana to show the book and will be doing a book-signing and art exhibition at Gretna Christmas Tree Lighting in front of the Old Post Office, 4th Street and Huey P. Long Avenue, on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Every book purchase includes a free poster about the book.

In 1994, Brock Boutte graduated from West Jefferson High School, where he earned a football scholarship to Nicholls State University.

With his background in marketing, he manages ART by CHRISTY Gallery, a successful enterprise that showcases Works-Boutte’s original art and prints.

The website for the book is www.FriendlySwampMonster.com.

To see what projects this busy artist is currently involved in, sign up for her free email newsletter on the front page of www.artbychristy.com.

Helen Williams is a Gretna resident who writes about people and events of community interest. She can be reached at 504.367.8481 or email her at gretnaglance@cox.net.